WASHINGTON – Concerns have surged in Washington after top aides from former President Donald Trump’s circle held private meetings with Kirill Dmitriev, a Russian official under US sanctions, to draft a controversial 28-point peace proposal for Ukraine. Observers warn that the plan appears heavily skewed in favour of Moscow, potentially undermining US and allied positions in the ongoing conflict.
The Miami meeting reportedly included Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner. According to sources, the proposals recommend major territorial concessions by Ukraine, including formal recognition of Russian control over Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, provisions previously rejected by Kyiv. The move has sparked intense debate over the legality and diplomatic prudence of such backchannel negotiations.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s Direct Investment Fund and a presidential envoy, has been blacklisted by the US since 2022 for his ties to Moscow’s invasion efforts. His participation in talks with American officials has raised eyebrows in both Congress and European capitals, with critics warning that informal diplomacy could reward Russian aggression and weaken established international agreements.
Insiders suggest that senior officials from the State Department and National Security Council were not fully briefed before the meetings, raising questions about transparency and accountability. Experts argue that bypassing standard diplomatic channels could erode credibility and complicate Washington’s broader strategy in Europe.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the engagement, claiming the proposals aim to “balance deterrence, security for Ukraine, and economic stability for Russia.” Nevertheless, critics remain unconvinced, emphasizing that the plan could embolden Moscow while alienating key allies.
As the world closely monitors the ongoing war, these developments highlight the risks posed by informal, high-level negotiations that skirt established diplomatic protocols — with implications that could reverberate far beyond Ukraine.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.